Think Arizona spends too much on prisons? 

Now is your chance to be heard!!

After banning public testimony during departmental budget hearings, the House Appropriations Committee has decided to hold a “Budget Conversation Tour,” to solicit public input on the state budget.

Gov. Ducey has stated that he wants to reduce prison populations, but his budget recommendation proposed:

• $17.6 million for 1,000 new private prison beds.That is more than 10 times the amount he wants to spend on the long-term, sustainable solutions to reducing our prison population.
• Authorization for the Department of Corrections to bid out a new contract for ANOTHER 2,500 beds, with a projected price tag of over $60 million per year.

It is vital to attend these hearings and let Arizona legislators know NO MORE PRISON BEDS IN ARIZONA!  REFORM IS THE KEY!

UPCOMING TOWN HALLS:

GILBERT: Saturday, February 20, 10:00 AM, St. Xavier University, 92 W. Vaughn Ave.

GLENDALE: Saturday, February 20, 1:00 PM, Glendale City Council, 5850 W. Glendale Ave.

TUCSON: Saturday, March 5, 10:00 AM,Tentative: 1423 E. University Blvd., on the U of A campus

YUMA: Saturday, March 19, 10:00 AM, location TBA

BACKGROUND

• Arizona spends over $1 billion on prisons
• Corrections is the 3rd largest state agency budget, absorbing 11% of the state General Fund
• This year, AZ will spend 60% more on prisons than higher education
• Arizona’s recidivism rate is estimated at anywhere from 45-75%